12 gel eyeliners that will help you get that perfect wing every time

Pens and pots galore

You’ve not really mastered eyeliner till you’ve mastered gel eyeliner—it’s most definitely the best formula there is. While regular kohl might seem easy to apply, and your liquid eyeliner has been working fine to create a graphic eyeliner look, think again. Noticed bits of your kajal falling onto your cheekbone by the end of the day? Or your liquid liner trailing down your eyelid after a few hours of dancing? We hear you. Gel eyeliners, on the other hand, are thick, pigmented formulas that are creamy and can be used on your upper or lower lash lines without the stress of flaking or smudging. Here’s our selection of the best eyeliners on beauty shelves in every kind of packaging you’d want—from must-have pots to travel-friendly pens and pencils.

Gel eyeliners in a pot

Think gel eyeliners and the first visual that comes to your mind is probably that of a pot and brush. The flat brushes that come with a gel pot are extremely easy to pick product out of it and draw straight onto your eyes. You have complete control over how much product you want to use at once and even the liberty to deposit back in case you dip into too much. Our favourite gel eyeliners include cult classics like the Maybelline New York Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner, Rimmel Scandaleyes Water Proof Gel Eyeliner, L’Oréal Paris Super Liner Gel Intenza 36H and Faces Ultime Pro Supreme Gel Eyeliner Black.

Gel eyeliners in a pencil

Haven’t been able to master a brush and pot application yet? Go back to basics and try a traditional pencil gel eyeliner. Super easy to carry around, these formulas give you the convenience of a sturdy stick with the long-stay promise of a gel. Our top picks include the Deborah 2-In-1 Gel Kajal and Eyeliner, NYX Professional Makeup Tres Jolie Gel Pencil Liner and the Sephora Collection Gel Crayon Intense Waterproof Pencil. If you’re looking for a gel eyeliner in bright colours including pinks and yellows (and one that won’t break the bank), the LA Girl Glide Gel Liner is your best bet.

Gel eyeliners in a pen

Makeup enthusiasts are mostly divided into two camps; those who love pencils and those who love pens. While a pen eyeliner usually brings a felt tip one to mind, gel pen eyeliners are a little bit different. The Benefit Cosmetics They’re Real Gel Eyeliner Pen and M.A.C Rebeleyes Gel Liners come with a slant tip that releases product upon twisting the bottom. The tip makes it easy to draw on your eyelids by fitting into the inner corners as well, so you don’t have to compromise on your eye makeup look of choice. In fact, gel eyeliner pens also come in the classic twist up, kohl-like format, if those are your preference. Try the Body Shop Gel Pen Liner or the Bobbi Brown Perfectly Defined Gel Eyeliner for everything from basic eyeliner to a classic wing that won’t budge all day.